Building a Porch Roof

A porch serves many purposes - it can be the place where you enjoy late evening get togethers or an area to shed muddy shoes. One thing many homeowners prefer when it comes to porches is a roof, and if you are building a porch roof there are a few things you should know. Here are a few tips for your next porch project.

Building Codes

The first and most important thing you should do is check on local building codes and restrictions. These will vary depending on your locale and failing to seek proper permits will cost you a lot more in the long run. Local contractors or event your local library can point you in the right direction. Some areas will not require any permits at all, but you should always check first.

Do it Yourself or Contractor?

Do you want to build this roof yourself or hire professionals? It all depends on your skill level, if you are quite comfortable with power tools, tape measures and can do simple math, this could be a project for you. On the other hand, if you have a hard time understanding terms such as pitch, roofline and rise or run, it is probably time to hire a professional.

Again, depending on where you live there may be a plethora of building contractors to choose from. If you are uncertain where to look, talk to the better business bureau in your area. They can at least guide you away from the contractors who have had complaints.

Consider Architectural Design

When building a porch roof keep in mind that the new roof should match the rise and run or pitch of the rest of the roofs on your home. If this is not possible, match at least the roof right above the new porch. This will preserve the architectural design of your existing home and maybe even increase the value. You will also want to stick with the overall roof design, gable, hipped, gabrel or many others.

Roof Covering Types

Building a porch roof gives you a few different options when it comes to the roof covering such as shingles or metal. Generally, you will want to stick with the same roof covering type as the rest of the house, but in some situations, you may want a metal. Some people love the sound of raindrops on a metal roof!

Conclusion

Building a porch roof can be a do it yourself project as long as you have a little technical skill. Of course, if you have never worked with power tools it is a good idea to call a professional contractor. Ask around about who provides a quality job for a fair price and then check references!